Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has called for expanded support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), saying global geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions have increased Bangladesh’s energy-related expenditures by nearly $3 billion.
Speaking at the 59th Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors in Samarkand, the finance minister said rising energy import costs linked to the Middle East crisis had intensified pressure on Bangladesh’s economy and external financing needs.
He requested continued budget support and access to countercyclical financing instruments if global risks worsen.
The minister also sought greater concessional climate financing to help Bangladesh address climate vulnerability, strengthen resilient infrastructure, and expand renewable energy.
He reiterated Bangladesh’s target to generate 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and called for ADB support in renewable energy, regional connectivity, digital transformation, and energy security initiatives.
